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Hey! Thanks for sharing!
I love how you explained the purpose of the lesson and how you used mild distractions so that the corrections could be timed and controlled. I do this with clients. I like knowing exactly how and when the dog will break, though most of the time adding movement is enough…but it’s good to have options because not all handlers are the same and it has to be achievable for them in the best possible way, so as not to confuse the dog. I love how you explained that we need the dog to break in order to have a successful practice. I love the presentation of your dog being exactly what we are looking for in our client dogs!
Usually my demo videos are done in mild gear… like a flat collar or star mark or the precision collars (that look like a flat collar). This way the focus is not on the tool. The way you explained the pumps and the handling is my preferred focus in the video. Since the gear might be different depending on the dog and handler needs, I’d leave out the explanation of the gear (escape conditioning is a concept in theory it could be done gear free). I know you mentioned the starmark as being the norm, just something to consider around gear explanation in general for it to be timeless and used with the most people.
The application of escape conditioning may be easier taught with (what is probably the equivalent of a climb command for you my place command does not require a down) as it is universally applicable to the most clients and very easy for the dog to achieve. This way they are learning concepts with the least amount of nuance or safety concerns. The dog only needs to keep four feet on the climb…simple and safe. This allows for more control and less effort when introducing distractions.
Coaching people to praise the dog as they hold the command, even before the corrections allows the dog to experience feedback throughout the entire process. This also helps clients remember that phase 2 is not the elimination of praise.
I am super strict about command structure and mechanics, so I don’t have clients practice silent leash pumps as a graduation point for escape conditioning. Rather, they have completed the task when the dog responds appropriately to the correction, quickly. Something to consider: if you directionally pump a dog onto an object (like a bed or climb board) without giving a verbal command, they wouldn’t necessarily know or be required to “down”, until they subsequently received a directional pump into the down. I may do silent leash pumps later, after they have done escape conditioning for multiple commands, to ensure the dog is confident in directionally following leash pumps, through multiple positions, one at a time.
It’s so great to see your work and dedication! I’m a huge fan!
